Kensal Rise Guide

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Are you young, hip, intelligent or just down right cool? Then join the likes of Sienna Millar, Daniel Craig, Lily Allen and Sophie Dahl in Kensal Rise, one of the most hip-and-happening postcodes of London.

Located close to central London, Kensal Rise is somewhat confusingly interchangeable with Kensal Green. The boundaries between these areas are vague and change depending on whom you’re asking. To avoid confusion and for the sake of simplicity, we’re defining all of these areas as “Kensal Rise”. Now that that's sorted, let’s see what Kensal Rise has to offer.

On a Map

Kensal Rise is in the London Borough of Brent.

Who Lives in Kensal Rise?

Vogue once named Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise as "the hippest street in Europe" thanks to the shops, restaurants, bars and cafés located here and the beautiful trendy folk who frequent them. Few other places in the world get this sort of celebrity attention. And if it's celebrity-status isn’t enough to convince you to move here, surveys and censuses have shown that the inhabitants of Kensal Rise are younger and smarter than the average Londoner.

Location and Transport

Kensal Rise is in a prime location, sitting next to the City of Westminster and surrounded by areas including Notting Hill, Maida Vale, Paddington and Kensington. One of the main reasons why it's such a popular area to live in is the great transport links. Kensal Rise station provides connections through to Richmond and Clapham while Kensal Green tube station is on the Bakerloo line and a 20 minute journey from Oxford Circus. There are plenty of bus services and, for those feeling a little more athletic, there's a bike path running along the canal from Kensal Rise to Paddington.

Kensal Rise Property

The cost of renting and buying a property in Kensal Rise is on the increase. It's believed that people who were previously looking to purchase homes in Notting Hill have seen greater potential and value for money in Kensal Rise.

According to Homes & Property, the cost to buy a 2,500 square foot renovated home in Kensal Rise has leapt up from £570,000 in 2002 to over £2 million in 2014.

Rental properties in Kensal Rise are larger than your average in London, with over 50% having three or four bedrooms. The fantastic services located in the area make this a great area for young families, including four primary schools, plenty of parks and gardens and local recreational facilities.

In 2017, the average monthly rental price for a property in Kensal Rise was £2,110.

Kensal Rise Restaurants and Bars

This gastro pub has steak at its heart; its prime beef sourced from Smithfield market and grilled to perfection. This is a meat-lover’s dream with an extensive range of steaks including a 500g t-bone and 750g côte de boeuf. The Chamberlayne also specialises in whiskey – the perfect digestive after your meal. Cosy and relaxed, the Chamberlayne is the perfect local pub.

You won’t find Gilligan here but you will find good times, great beer and a fun and friendly atmosphere. The Island is a great local, family friendly pub that offers seasonal ales and a monthly changing menu. On sunny days you can sit outside on the terrace, and when the weather turns cold head inside to the snug.

Address: 123 College Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 5HAPhone: 0208 960 0693

Minkie’s Deli

This Kensal Rise hub is where all of the cool and trendy head to for their morning caffeine fix. Owner and head chef, Doron Atzmon, has become a local celebrity in his own right, and offers a tasty selection of salads, sandwiches, hot meals and sweets reflecting what is in season. The coffee here is a great and the triple choc brownies are even better.

Experience Iranian cuisine and hospitality at this unique restaurant. A mouth-watering range of grilled meats, stews, salads and rice flavoured with the aromatic herbs and spices of Iran. The restaurant is decorated with traditional Persian textiles, tiles and glass, transporting you East while you eat your meal. The restaurant is large but they recommend booking in advance as it's very popular, particularly on weekends.

With the motto of ‘Home of the restless and the eclectic’ it is little wonder why Paradise attracts the most beautiful people of Kensal Rise. A glorious restaurant/bar/pub serving some of London’s finest food and best ales. It's a great place for a night out, especially if you want dinner first. All the rooms have a fun and unique feel so it's the perfect location to hire a room for a special occasion (trust us, it's a showstopper). Come for Sunday lunch or dinner on a Saturday then stay late to make the most of the famously talented in house DJ's.

At weekends this place comes alive with live music, DJs and cult film nights during the week.

Lisboa Pâtisserie

Let your taste buds transport you to the sunshine and warmth of Lisbon at Lisboa Pâtisserie. Get here early to grab some of their famous pastel de nata – these custard tarts fly out the door as soon as they’re taken out of the oven. You can also purchase a strong Portuguese espresso and you may as well try one of the many other delicious sweet delights on offer.

For the speakeasy vibe and the sense you’re in New York, The Shop is a chic yet rough-round-the-edges cocktail bar serving jam-jar drinks and some easy listening beats. The local hipsters who haven’t yet migrated love this place and we do, too.

Kensal Rise Shops

Hankering for a nice cut of meat? Go no further than Brooks Butchers who offer the highest quality produce available. Forget supermarket meat trays – this is the real deal and you will taste the difference. They don’t just sell steaks – you can get game, poultry, sausages, pork, lamb, ox… if it was once an animal, they will most likely prepare it for you. All produce is free range and 100% delicious.

Now that you have the steak for that romantic dinner for two, why not buy a bunch of perfectly arranged flowers for the centre of the table? Expertly crafted, you will never see flower arranging like this in any other florist. They have been selling flowers for over 14 years and can create floral masterpieces to suit your specific needs.

Things to do in Kensal Rise

The website states that the Lexi Cinema is “the UK’s first social enterprise independent boutique digital cinema.” That’s quite a mouthful and a fantastic example of social enterprise. One hundred per cent of the profits made are donated to charity and the cinema is run by volunteers. You can also see live theatre, opera and there’s an exhibition space. Plus you can hire out the venue for special events.

For a piece of architectural splendour and something just a little bit different, pay a visit to Europe’s first traditional Hindu temple. This outstanding building is open to everyone and you can discover the intricate carved details of the temple and learn more about the Hindu faith. There is also an authentic Indian restaurant serving vegetarian cuisine.

Jivita Ayurveda

If you want to take a few moments to get away from the general hustle and bustle of London, or perhaps you're looking to unwind after a long, stressful day at work, look no further than Jivita Ayurveda. The organic wellbeing centre is located in the heart of Kensal Rise and offers health consultations and body and therapy treatments to while the hours away.